Visiting the meat section of the grocery store seems a bit daunting especially if you are trying to stick to a vegetarian diet. There are a few alternatives out there for meat, however, and one of them is quorn. What does quorn taste like and what can it be used for as an alternative to meat products?
Quorn is a mycoprotein and is used as a vegetarian alternative to meat products. Quron tastes different depending upon the way it is cooked and seasoned. On its own it has a unique squishy texture and a smell kind of similar to chicken, but it tastes like or is similar to whatever it’s cooked as.
What is Quorn?
Quorn is a meat alternative product that is made in the laboratory from mycoproteins. These are fungus proteins and they figured out how to clump them together to become similar to pieces of meat. This vegetarian meat alternative is sure to pack a healthy punch alongside its distinct spongy tastelessness.
Quorn is made into a variety of products that are similar to what the average meat eater consumes today. These products can include mince, burger patties, bacon; or if you prefer chicken products, quorn is available in nuggets and pieces that resemble real chicken. Quorn was developed to be a versatile meat replacement, and so far it has succeeded on that market.
Eating fungus?
Quorn is made from a type of mycoprotein named Fusarium venenatum. They take a little bit of the F. venenatum fungus and put it into a fermentation machine to grow the colony of fungus. Egg whites are used to blend with the mycoprotein to create chicken-like textures and flavors.
Plant-based proteins can also achieve this effect when added to the mycoprotein. This can be changed around in formula to produce more sustainable meat-less products. These products are great for vegetarians, vegans, and those with meat, egg, and dairy allergies.
The Vegetarian Meat Substitute
- Quorn mince. Used in mince recipes like shepherd’s pie.
- Quorn burger. Quorn shaped into burger patties. When cooked thoroughly they are similar to beef patties.
- Quorn bacon. Great for breakfast, and if seasoned well, is very similar to bacon
- Quorn “chicken” nuggets. The similarity to the chicken nugget is reportedly almost uncanny due to the spongy-like nature of a chicken nugget and the similarity to quorn meat on its own.
- Quorn “chicken” pieces. Used in recipes that call for sliced chicken breast or chicken tenders.
- Quorn roast. Thick pieces of quorn that can be seasoned and cooked like a pork or beef roast.
So, What Does Quorn Taste Like?
On its own it has a unique squishy texture and a smell kind of similar to chicken, and otherwise bland like tofu but it tastes like or is similar to whatever it’s cooked as. One can purchase a wide variety of types of Quorn products.
Seasoning also plays a part in what Quorn products will taste like. Imitation chicken products should be seasoned like chicken, and beef-like products should be seasoned as if using beef. This will ensure that the flavor of the product is correct and close to the desired original dish.
Is Quorn a Healthy Alternative to Meat?
Mycoproteins are full of wonderful health benefits. When consumed, there are such benefits such as cholesterol control, healthy muscles, and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels at a homeostasis. These health benefits only serve to complement vegetarian diets.
How to Prepare Quorn
Quorn comes in a variety of types of meat-less products. These can include burger patties and chicken nuggets, each of which are cooked quite differently. Each type of product may be prepared and cooked according to its meat counterpart.
It should be noted however that quorn is not meat and that it will over cook easier in the oven, and has lower temperatures of frying and cooking. Keep an eye on quorn products like bacon that can burn quickly cooked at higher temperatures. Quorn that has been prepared properly should taste similar to the original dish being prepared.
How to Make a Meal with Quorn
Quorn mince is a super popular choice of meat alternative. Quorn mince can be thoroughly enjoyed in many recipes such as Shepherd’s Pie
Quorn Mince Shepherd’s Pie
- 1 lb of Quorn Mince
- Olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 cup of instant mashed potatoes (if you don’t want to make home-made ones)
- ½ stick of butter
- 1 can of mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper
- Preheat your pan and add a drizzle of olive oil and let it warm up
- Add tablespoon of garlic and just a few pieces of diced onion and stir until brown
- Add quorn mince and stir until browned
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the directions
- Layer a buttered casserole dish with the quorn mince on the bottom
- Add the mixed vegetables on top of the quorn mince
- Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the vegetables
- Add a dash of salt and pepper to the entire dish
- Put it into the oven for about twenty to twenty-five minutes or until the mashed potatoes form stiff peaks
- Pull out to rest, serve and enjoy
Conclusion
Quorn is a meat-alternative that vegetarians and vegans alike can enjoy. Quorn comes from a fungus called mycoproteins and is mixed together and shaped to become familiar and similar to average meats on the market. These meats include burger patties, chicken nuggets, and others.
Quorn is a healthy alternative that can help some of the body’s systems regulate and return to homeostasis. Much like its bland market counterpart, tofu, quorn tastes as it is cooked. It must be seasoned according to the needs of the meal.
Quorn can be prepared in many different ways, making this meat alternative very versatile. This vegetarian preferred source of protein can be used in many different types of recipes such as shepherd’s pie. Remember to season the quorn according to the palate needs of the meal and the outcome will be delicious!
